Aaron Kupec: Why Dollar General is a bad deal for Sunderland

Dollar General is wrong for Sunderland. While I understand the lure of convenience and low prices, the reality is far more troubling. In a scathing 2023 segment on “Last Week Tonight,” John Oliver exposed the consequences of Dollar General’s expansion into small towns across America — driving out local businesses while contributing little to the broader community’s economic sustainability.

Dollar General has faced multiple allegations of deceptive pricing practices. In Wisconsin, an investigation found that over 200 stores charged higher prices at the register than what was displayed on shelves, with discrepancies averaging 17% above advertised prices. This led to a settlement exceeding $850,000. Similarly, North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi and Arizona collectively fined the retailer over $1 million for price inaccuracies in 2021 and 2022. Such tactics disproportionately harm low-income shoppers who rely on these stores for necessities.

Additionally, Dollar General is notorious for understaffing its stores, creating unsafe working conditions for employees and an unpleasant shopping experience for customers. Many stores operate with just one or two workers at a time, increasing the risk of crime, neglecting basic maintenance, and making it difficult for employees to enforce proper pricing and stocking procedures. Just last year, the company agreed to pay $12 million over workplace safety violations identified by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Instead of allowing a predatory retailer to plant roots in our town, we should be supporting businesses that reinvest in the community and value their employees and customers. Sunderland deserves better than Dollar General.

Aaron Kupec

Sunderland